20: Jon Flatt's Journey from War to Healing
In this deeply moving episode of Behind the Line, Tim interviews Jon Flatt, an Army veteran who served a tour in Afghanistan.
Jon shares his experiences from his youth in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, his deployment, and the challenges he faced after returning home.
He discusses his memoir "Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em: A memoir about the war that followed me home", a candid narrative about dealing with PTSD, substance abuse, and legal troubles.
The episode also highlights Jon's current mission to help other veterans heal through fly fishing, an initiative he calls 'Out of the Fire and Into the Current.' Join us for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the lasting impacts of war, the importance of mental health, and the power of nature in the healing process.
00:00 Introduction to Our Guest
00:10 A Soldier's Journey: From Pennsylvania to Afghanistan
00:34 Life After Service: Family and Relocation
00:45 The Book: Smoke 'em, if You Got 'em
00:53 The War That Followed Home
01:03 Flashbacks and Reflections
03:12 The Impact of 9/11
07:04 Joining the Army: A Deeper Dive
09:17 Bootcamp and Deployment
11:22 Experiences in Afghanistan
14:09 The Title's Significance
17:01 Challenges After Returning Home
24:46 Writing the Book: A Therapeutic Journey
32:55 Support and Reception
35:33 A Mission as Bait: 20 Feet from the Wire
39:33 Reflecting on a Life-Changing Incident
40:46 The Impact of War on Personal Relationships
42:41 Meeting My Younger Self
45:46 The Emotional Toll of War
53:23 The Last Chapter: A Call to Action
01:02:53 Fishing as Therapy for Veterans
01:18:35 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
